A experiência vivenciada pelo cuidador da criança/adolescente que enfrenta uma doença limitante da vida / The lived experience of the caregiver of a child/adolescent facing a life-limiting illness / La experiencia vivida por el cuidador de un niño/adolescente que se enfrenta a una enfermedad que limita su vida

Este estudo qualitativo teve como objetivo compreender a experiência vivenciada pelo cuidador da criança/adolescente que enfrenta uma doença limitante da vida. Para tanto, foram entrevistados seis pais de crianças e adolescentes que se encontravam hospitalizados, com diagnósticos variados, em sua maior parte por doenças onco-hematológicas. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada aplicada individualmente. A análise mostrou que, ao receber o diagnóstico da doença grave de um(a) filho(a) predominaram reações de surpresa, tristeza, desespero e relutância inicial em aceitar o diagnóstico. Sentimentos de medo, desconforto e vivências de culpa permearam a trajetória dos pais no adoecer do(a) filho(a). Crianças e adolescentes com diagnósticos limitantes da vida exigem tratamento intensivo e de alta complexidade tecnológica. A hospitalização aparece como um momento especialmente difícil para os pais, gerando fadiga crônica, esgotamento físico e emocional. Na percepção dos pais, a comunicação com os profissionais foi satisfatória, sendo vista como um fator positivo que contribui para amenizar as dificuldades de enfrentar as situações críticas. A experiência paterna frente à doença limitante da vida foi considerada um fator de mudança de vida. Esses resultados mostram a necessidade de intervenções psicológicas de apoio para auxiliarem os pais e demais familiares a enfrentarem os desafios encontrados.

This qualitative study aimed to understand the lived experience of the caregiver of a child/adolescent facing a life-limiting illness. To this end, six parents of children and adolescents who were hospitalized, with varied diagnoses, mostly due to onco-hematological diseases, were interviewed. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews applied individually. The analysis showed that, upon receiving the diagnosis of a child's serious disease, there were predominant reactions of surprise, sadness, despair, and initial reluctance to accept the diagnosis. Feelings of fear, discomfort, and experiences of guilt permeated the parents' trajectory in their child's illness. Children and adolescents with life-limiting diagnoses require intensive treatment and high technological complexity. Hospitalization appears as an especially difficult time for parents, generating chronic fatigue, physical and emotional exhaustion. In the perception of parents, communication with professionals was satisfactory, being seen as a positive factor that contributes to ease the difficulties of facing critical situations. The father's experience facing life limiting illness was considered a life changing factor. These results show the need for psychological support interventions to help parents and other family members to face the challenges encountered.

Este estudio cualitativo tenía como objetivo comprender la experiencia vivida por el cuidador de un niño/adolescente con una enfermedad que limita su vida. Se entrevistó a seis padres de niños y adolescentes hospitalizados, con diversos diagnósticos, en su mayoría debidos a enfermedades oncohematológicas. Los datos se recogieron mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas aplicadas individualmente. El análisis mostró que, al recibir el diagnóstico de una enfermedad grave del niño, predominaron las reacciones de sorpresa, tristeza, desesperación y reticencia inicial a aceptar el diagnóstico. Los sentimientos de miedo, malestar y experiencias de culpa impregnaron la trayectoria de los padres en la enfermedad de su hijo. Los niños y adolescentes con diagnósticos que limitan su vida requieren un tratamiento intensivo y una alta complejidad tecnológica. La hospitalización aparece como un momento especialmente difícil para los padres, generando fatiga crónica y agotamiento físico y emocional. En la percepción de los padres, la comunicación con los profesionales fue satisfactoria, siendo vista como un factor positivo que contribuyó a mitigar las dificultades para enfrentar situaciones críticas. La experiencia paterna de enfrentarse a una enfermedad que limita la vida se consideró un factor de cambio de vida. Estos resultados ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de realizar intervenciones de apoyo psicológico para ayudar a los padres y a otros miembros de la familia a enfrentarse a los retos encontrados.

A study on the association of Mental Disorders and Physical Illness in the Geriatric Population

Background: Growth of elderly people in the general population in recent years is termed as "graying of the world” where there is a shift from high mortality & fertility to low mortality & fertility, resulting in an increased proportion of older people as seen in India. Improved health care promises longevity but socio- economic factors like poverty, joint families and poor services pose a psychological threat. Epidemiological data regarding the prevalence of mental disorders in geriatric population with physical illness is required for proper health planning. The aim of the study is to study the association of mental disorders and physical illness in geriatric population. Methodology: Sixty consecutive elderly patients aged 60 years or above of both sexes, reporting with physical illness to general outpatient registration counter of Navodaya Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Raichur, India, were considered for the Study. With informed consent, they were screened with General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and were further evaluated for diagnosing mental disorders according to WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) criteria. Descriptive statistics and percentage were used to describe the data. Results: Mental disorders were detected in 48.3%, predominantly depressive disorders, nicotine dependence, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol dependence and least was dementia. Most common physical illness was cardiovascular disease followed by metabolic, respiratory and other diseases. Depressive disorders, substance dependence and dementia were more associated with cardiovascular disease compared to metabolic disease and respiratory diseases were more associated with nicotine dependence. Conclusions: Depression and Substance use disorders among elderly population is of concern, which needs to be further studied with larger population. Psychiatric morbidity will adversely have an impact on physical illness which needs proper assessment and management. This will enhance our understanding and prioritize our planning for future.

Continuing Care of the Schizophrenia Patient in the Community, Including Early Relapse

@#Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that has a huge burden on the individual’s physical health. Despite its low prevalence, the disorder has been listed among the top ten contributors of health burden and disability around the world. People with schizophrenia usually suffer from a myriad of physical health conditions with 33 percent of the patients having three or more physical health problems. Schizophrenia has been linked with up to threefold increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Risk factors such as metabolic disorders and lifestyle behaviours are the major contributors to cardiovascular-related diseases (CVD). Treatment of schizophrenia and its comorbid physical conditions often presents a challenge to health care professionals and caregivers due to the presence of multiple psychological and physical disabilities. However, with appropriate intervention at early onset, the likelihood of recovery will be highest. Primary care professionals are often the stable point of consultation for patients to seek help in the community. The partnership between the patient and primary care professionals is paramount in optimal management and continuity of care for schizophrenia patients with chronic physical illness.

Continuing Care of the Schizophrenia Patient in the Community

@#Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that has a huge burden on the individual’s physical health. Despite its low prevalence, the disorder has been listed among the top ten contributors of health burden and disability around the world. People with schizophrenia usually suffer from a myriad of physical health conditions with 33 percent of the patients having three or more physical health problems. Schizophrenia has been linked with up to threefold increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Risk factors such as metabolic disorders and lifestyle behaviours are the major contributors to cardiovascular-related diseases (CVD). Treatment of schizophrenia and its comorbid physical conditions often presents a challenge to health care professionals and caregivers due to the presence of multiple psychological and physical disabilities. However, with appropriate intervention at early onset, the likelihood of recovery will be highest. Primary care professionals are often the stable point of consultation for patients to seek help in the community. The partnership between the patient and primary care professionals is paramount in optimal management and continuity of care for schizophrenia patients with chronic physical illness.

A Study on Psychological and Physical Health of Families of Victims One Year after the Sewol Ferry Disaster / 정신신체의학

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess physical illnesses, psychological difficulties, and daily life function of victims' family members one year after the Sewol ferry disaster, in order to establish a basis of strategies to promote their mental health and resilience. METHODS: We statistically analyzed self-reported data collected from a survey conducted between March 22 and 28, 2015 with 139 family members of victims. RESULTS: All respondents complained about one or more psychological difficulties, and 95.4% of them had newly diagnosed or exacerbated physical illnesses. An increased number of psychological difficulties was associated with a greater tendency to present physical illnesses including chronic headache, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, obstetrico-gynecological, genitourinary, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the majority of respondents reported a decrease in life functioning. Specifically, 71.9% reported interpersonal avoidance and 63.9% reported difficulty in returning to work. CONCLUSIONS: Not only psychological trauma but also physical illness and daily functioning should be evaluated in detail and actively addressed in the bereaved family members after a catastrophe.

Percepção da Doença e Enfrentamento em Mulheres com Câncer de Mama / Illness Perception and Coping in Women with Breast Cancer

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a relação entre percepção da doença, enfrentamento e variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas em mulheres com câncer de mama. O delineamento foi transversal, correlacional e comparativo, do qual participaram 157 mulheres (idade média=51,95 anos). Os questionários de dados sociodemográficos e clínicos, de percepção da doença e de enfrentamento foram aplicados individualmente nos dias de consultas médicas. Os resultados indicaram a existência de relação entre percepção da doença e enfrentamento. A percepção de duração cíclica da doença foi preditora de enfrentamento instrumental e distração. Já a representação emocional foi preditora de enfrentamento emocional. Conclui-se que, apesar de a percepção da doença ser preditora de enfrentamento, a magnitude é fraca.

Abstract The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between illness perception and coping in women with breast cancer. Transversal, correlational and comparative design including 157 women with an average age of 51.95 years at the time of application of the instruments. The sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire of illness perception and coping were applied individually during medical consultation in a specialized cancer hospital. Results indicated the existence of a relationship between illness perception and coping. Perception of cyclic duration was predictive of instrumental coping and distraction. Emotional representation was a predictor of emotional confrontation.It was concluded that, despite illness perceptions being a predictor of coping, the magnitude is low.

La performativité généralisée du diagnostic psychologique en médecine / A performatividade generalizada do diagnóstico psicológico em medicina / Generalized performativity of psychological diagnosis in medicine / La performatividad generalizada del diagnóstico psicológico en medicina

Le recours au savoir psychologique dans les services de médecine somatique à l'hôpital relève moins d'une tentative de compréhension du malade que d'une psychologisation de ses conduites. La performativité généralisée du langage psychologique, en ajoutant ainsi un "trouble psychique" à la maladie somatique, permet de se préserver de l'inquiétante étrangeté du malade et de retrouver un pouvoir sur lui. La fonction des psychologues est alors à interroger.

O recurso ao saber psicológico nos serviços de medicina somática em hospital diz respeito menos a uma tentativa de compreensão do doente que de uma psicologização de suas condutas. A performatividade generalizada da linguagem psicológica, acrescentando assim um "transtorno psíquico" a uma doença somática, permite preservar a inquietante estranheza do doente e de reencontrar um poder sobre ele. A função dos psicólogos deve, então, ser interrogada.

The use of psychological knowledge at medical departments in hospitals is closer to being a psychologization of patients' behavior than attempts at understanding the patients. By adding a single extra word the generalized performativity of psychological language can turn a physical illness into a psychic ® disturbance ¼. This allows professionals to keep a distance from their patients and thus maintain power over them. The function of psychologists is thus brought into the debate.

Recurrir al saber psicológico en los servicios hospitalarios de medicina somática, más que ser un intento de comprensión del enfermo, es una psicologización de sus conductas. Al agregar un "trastorno psíquico" a la enfermedad somática, la performatividad generalizada del lenguaje psicológico permite recuperar un poder sobre el paciente y ponerse a salvo, al mismo tiempo, de lo ominoso de su situación. La función de los psicólogos es cuestionable.

Survey of Depression in the Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: Depression is commonly comorbid in the elderly patients with physical illness. This study examined the prevalence of depression in the elderly with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: The eighty-seven patients with COPD were enrolled. The subjects are over 60 years old. The medical and psychiatric history, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HDRS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), Geriatric Depression Scale-Short form Korean (GDS-SF-K), Mini-Mental Status Exam Korean version (MMSE-KC) were investigated. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), which predict the severity of COPD, also investigated. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression was estimated to be 24.7% (male 19.3% ; female 35.7%) in HDRS, 31.0% (male 24.6% ; female 43.3%) in PHQ-9, 8.0% (male 10.5% ; female 3.3%) in PHQ-2, 23.0% (male 17.5% ; female 33.3%) in GDS-SF-K. The severity of COPD (GOLD) was associated with the prevalence of depression (HDRS, p=0.027 ; PHQ-9, p=0.045 ; PHQ-2, p=0.112 ; GDS-SFK, p=0.089). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of elderly depression with COPD ranged from about 20% to 30%, the prevalence of depression is nearly two times more common in women. The severity of COPD (GOLD) was associated with the prevalence of depression. The self-reporting scale, such as GDS-SF-K, PHQ-9 and PHQ-2 is the effective screening test of depression.

A Study of Psychiatric Problems of North Korean Refugees Who Visited a Psychiatric Clinic / 수면정신생리

PURPOSE: According to the statistics announced by the Ministry of Unification, the number of North Korean refugees living in South Korea has increased by 200 on average monthly in 2010. The number of refugees increased only by 300 annually until 2000. The total number of refugees as of February 2012 was 20,956. This study aims to investigate the psychobiology of the North Korean refugees who consulted psychiatric clinics among those living daily life in South Korea. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 85 North Korean refugees that consulted psychiatric clinics from January 1, 2005 to July 2011. This study obtained demographic and psychiatric information in a retrospective approach. RESULTS: Among the 85 North Korean refugees, 75 (88.2%) were females and their average age was 48 years of age. A total of 16 (18.8%) were admitted to a clinic and among the inpatients, 4 were admitted twice and two were admitted three times. As for the claimed symptoms of outpatients, insomnia was shown in 47 (55.3%) patients, headaches in 37 (43.5%), anxiety in 20 (23.5%), depression in 19 (22.4%), etc. The major symptoms represented by inpatients were insomnia in 14 (87.5%) patients, depression in 12 (75%), and headaches in 8 (50%), etc. CONCLUSION: The most frequent psychiatric symptoms of North Korean refugees living in South Korea were insomnia and headaches. It suggests that when performing psychiatric diagnosis and treatment of North Korean refugees, we have to take into consideration the fact that they claimed the physical symptoms more than the emotional ones. Also, from the aspect that most symptoms of North Korean refugees were insomnia, more profound research on sleep is required in the future.

Relationship between Physical Illness and Depression in North Korean Defectors / 정신신체의학

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to investigate the effects of physical illness on depression in North Korean Defectors. METHODS: One hundred forty-four North Korean Defectors(20 males, 124 females) and 376 South Koreans 133 males, 243 females) in Incheon Metropolitan areas participated the present study. Face-to-face interview was conducted for demographic information including presence of physical illnesses. To investigate depressive symptoms, all participants were required to complete the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale (CES-D). RESULTS: After controlling gender, age, marital status, educational year, employment status and physical illness, North Korean Defectors showed higher CES-D score than South Koreans(beta=0.449, p<0.001). Within North Korean Defectors, the presence of physical illnesses independently was related to higher CES-D score(beta=0.243, p<0.001). However, within South Koreans, the presence of physical illnesses did not significantly predict CES-D score. North Korean Defectors with physical illness have higher CES-D score than North Korean Defectors without physical illness(26.8+/-13.8 versus 19.7+/-12.7). However, there was no significant differences of CES-D score between South Koreans with physical illness and South Koreans without physical illness(10.3+/-9.8 versus 9.3+/-8.8). CONCLUSION: Compared to South Koreans, North Korean Defector showed higher depressive symptoms independently from gender, age, education, employment, marriage. In addition, only North Korean Defectors showed the relationship between depression and physical illness. Our study suggests that depression should be assessed when North Korean Defectors have physical illness.

Correlates of Activities of Daily Living in Demented and Non-Demented Elderly

BACKGROUND: This study's aim is to compare the correlates of instrumental and physical activities of daily living (ADL) according to the presence or absence of dementia in an elder populated community. METHODS: This study was part of a community survey of late-life psychiatric morbidity carried out in Kwangju, South Korea in 2001. The Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale was administered to 740-community residents aged 65 or over. Data on the demographic characteristics (age, gender, living area, marital state, and religion), socio-economic state (education, monthly income, number of rooms, previous occupation, current employment, and social network), and clinical characteristics (cognitive function, physical illness, and depression) were gathered. RESULTS: The instrumental ADL impairment was associated significantly with higher age and lower cognitive functional ability in both groups. However, the impairment was shown in those without dementia, currently unemployed and had no spouse. The physical ADL impairment was significantly associated with lower cognitive function and higher number of physical illnesses in those with dementia, while it was significantly associated with higher age and severe depressive symptoms in those without dementia. The accountability portion of the above correlates for the variances of the instrumental and physical ADL was high in those with dementia, but was unacceptably low in those without dementia. CONCLUSIONS: It was suggested that the correlates and utility of ADL scale might vary according to dementia state.

Psychosocial Factors Associated with Suicidal Idea among Korean Elderly

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze psychosocial factors associated with suicidal idea among Korean elderly. METHODS: The sociodemographic data and psychopathology were evaluated by questionnaire and psychiatric interview in community-dwelling elderly with age over 60 (N=100) and adults with age 30-49 (N=60). Suicidal idea was assessed by 9th item of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). To analyze factors associated with suicidal idea in Korean elderly, we assessed family function (Family Adaptation Partnership Growth Affection Resolve, APGAR), alcohol problem (Cut Annoyed Guilty Eye-Opener, CAGE), depressive symptoms (HAM-D, BDI), cognitive function (CDR, MMSE-K, GDS), and functional activities (ADL, I-ADL). RESULTS: 1) The frequency of suicidal idea of the elderly with age over 60 (20.0%) was significantly higher than that of adult with age 30-49 (6.7%)(p<0.05). 2) The factors associated with suicidal idea were major depressive disorder (OR=42.17, 95% C.I. : 2.62-679.03), physical illness (OR=27.01, 95% C.I. : 1.18-616.50), depressive symptoms (OR=12.18, 95% C.I. : 2.91-49.98), poor economic status (OR=7.18, 95% C.I. : 1.05-48.86). 3) The means of variables in the elderly with suicidal idea were ADL 6.4+/-1.1, HAM-D 17.8+/-7.7, BDI 30.0+/-9.5, APGAR 4.8+/-2.6, which were significantly higher than those of the elderly without suicidal idea (p<0.05, respectively). 4) The HAM-D score in the Korean elderly had statistically significant correlation with APGAR (gamma=0.376, p<0.01), BDI (gamma=0.808, p<0.01), ADL (gamma=0.316, p<0.01), GDS (gamma=0.282, p<0.01), CDR (gamma=0.258, p<0.01) and education level (gamma=-0.208, p<0.05). The BDI score had statistically significant correlation with APGAR (gamma=0.341, p<0.01), HAM-D (gamma=0.808, p<0.01), GDS (gamma=0.340, p<0.01), CDR (gamma=0.301, p<0.01), ADL (gamma=0.325, p<0.05) and I-ADL (gamma=0.206, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggested early detection, psychogeriatric intervention of the elderly with high risk factors and active treatment of medical illness could reduce suicidal idea among them.

Depressive Symptoms in Elderly Patients with Physical Illness

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of severity of functional disability, caused by physical illness, on the depressive symptoms and depressive disorders of the elderly patients (above 65 year-old) with physical illness. METHOD: Complete medical and psychiatric evaluations were achieved on 138 patients, except the 12 patients, who were severely cognitively impaired (MMSE-K score;below 19), of the 150 elderly patients (above 65 year-old) with physical illness. Sociodemographic data and health characteristic data were systematically collected, and the severity of functional disability caused by physical illness was evaluated. Depression scales (KGDS, GDS, MADRS) on 138 elderly patients were executed. In addition, based on the 61 patients of the 65 elderly patients (above 65 years old) with physical illness, except 4 patients who were severely cognitively impaired (MMSE-K score;below 19), sociodemographic data and health characteristic data were collected. The clinical diagnosis by DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and KGDS on 61 elderly patients were performed, and their functional disability caused by physical illness was evaluated. RESULTS: The frequency of depressive symptoms showed 50.0%, 36.2%, and 35.5%, respectively in KGDS, GDS, and MADRS. The patients with severe functional disability caused by physical illness-compared with those with mild functional disability-had significantly higher score on the depression scales (KGDS, GDS, MADRS). The correlation between severity of functional disability caused by physical illness and depression scales was highly positive. Severity of functional disability caused by physical illness was the strongest contributor to the depression scales. In the additional study, 19.7% of patients were diagnosed as major depressive disorder, 18% of them as dysthymic disorder, and depressive disorder (major depressive disorder & dysthymic disorder) group-compared with nondepressive disorder group-showed significantly higher score on the FDRPT and KGDS. CONCLUSION: The frequency of depressive symptoms and depressive disorder in elderly patients with physical illness was higher, compared with those in general elderly people. Functional disability caused by physical illness most highly influenced on depressive symptoms. Thus, it is important to discriminate whether the elderly patients with physical illness have depressive symptoms or not. In addition, we assumed that KGDS was not only highly correlated with other depression scales (GDS, MADRS), but also had the high diagnostic power of dis-crimination for depressive symptoms and depressive disorder. This study suggested that KGDS was available in screening depression in the elderly patients with physical illness. It was necessary to study systematically the availability of KGDS in the future.

Clinical Study on Primary Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma

In order to study the clinical characteristics of primary acute angle closure glaucoma, we analyzed the data of 72 eyes from 63 patients with the disease from January 1, 1990 to December 31, 1993 to the Department of Ophthalmology of Chonnam University Hospital. The mean age of the patients was 63.3 years and female and male ratio was 5.9:1. And the mean IOP at first visit was 53.2 mmHg. There was no significant difference of rop between right and left eyes, and 11 patients had the disease in both eyes. 38% of the patients developed the disease in winter time. The development of the disease was closely associated with physical illness and emotional stress. 39 eyes(49.3%) of them was required filtering surgery because medication and laser treatment was insufficient to lower IOP.